The Washington critic., 1887-05-28
WASHINGTON SUBURBS
Reliable Information Concerning a
Desirable Residence Locality.
ADVANTAGES OF TAKOMA PARK.
Suburban Homes at Prices within
Reach OF buyers of Moderate
Means.

various tracts Of suburban property, and
THE Critic has gained vast amount OF
valuable information which II has given In
various forms to Ito readers In this issue Of
the paper. Among the many very interest
ing conferences, one concerning that charm
Ing section known as Takoma Park is
worthy Of special mention. Information on
this subject was sought by q CRITIC repre-
sentative from the wcll-known real estate
firm Of Longley & Wolston OF No. 620 +
street northwest. He was very cordially re-
celved by Messrs. Longley s. Wolstou, and
after few Introductory remarks an interest.
ing conversation ensued between the Q. Il
and Mr.. ,Wolston, Of which the following is
CRITIC Representatiye-aYou are par.
ticularly interested In Takoma Park, un.
derstand. Can you give me any particu-
lars concerning that section that Will be Of
interest TO the readers Of THE Critic ~
Mr.. W.-"We are firm and enthusiastic
believers In Takoms Park and consider II
one Of the most delightful, convenient aud
healthful localities Tor a residence In the
and profitable Investment
G. R-"How far is Takoma from City
Hall 7"
Mr.. w.--"About 81 miles. It is $50 feet
above the level Of Washington City;
abounds In delightful shade; is exempt
from malarin; has an abundant supply Of
the purest OF water and enjoys freedom
from mosquitoes"
Q. R,-"These particulars would seem to
be sufficient inducement for citizens who de-
sire to avoid the heat and discomfort OF city
life during the summer months to locate
there, provided the price Of land is not too
expensive"
Mr. W.-"You mistake, my dear sir, In
eupposing Takoma Park 10 only desirable
for summer residence. It isa pleasant and
comfortable winter home; and being within
easy and frequent access to the city-only
eight minutes by railroad, or hall hours
drive over magnificent road-and as house
lots may be purchased for from $500 to $500
for lots Of from IL, 900 to 1900 feet, II 10,
you see, within the reach OF the multitude"
y. R-''Do you not consider the tendency
which is manifest among all classes to seek
suburban homes as one OF the evidences Of
the thrift and permanent growth Of city"
Mr.. W.-"Unquestionably. There are
thousands Of reasons why people desire to
live somewhat away from the centre Of a
great city. OF course, many are drawn to the
semicountry home for the sake Of being
where trees and grass and birds abound,
while the little garden-spot affords pleas.
ant and healthful exercise; but las In the
case Of Takoma Park) the man of moderate
means finds itpossible to become the owner
Of his own house by going to the suburbs;
the man Of business finds rest; the invalid,
health; children grow strong, and the aged
find quiet"
G. R.-''Cau you furnish brief history Of
the Takoma Park enterprise?'
Mr.. W.-"Takoma Park Is situated upon
the Metropolitan Branch Of the b. aud o. r.
r., and little more than three years ago
was sub-divided into liberal building sites.
It lies on both sides Of the railroad, and the
District line runs through It, SO that por-
tion lies In Montgomery County, Nd, and
the remainder in the District OF Columbia.p
2. R.E"What suggested the name
Mr.. W.-"Takoma Is an Indian word,
signifying lifted up or 'n9ar Heaven, and
is, for reasons given a moment since, not
inappropriately applied to the park. II Is
'liftcd up and when 1t is taken into con-
sideration that the elevation above the sur
rounding country gives to Takoma Park a
most complete and natural drainage,
that engender and foster disorders OF a
malarial nature, and the long train OF dis.
eases that are likely to follow, It is not an
exaggerated expression to say that the
place is an approach to Heaven"
Q. R-"You spoke Of the purity Of tho
water at Takoma Park Y'
Mr. W.--"I did. The water is OF the
very finest quality. In consequence Of the
impure state Of the Washington city sup
| ply Of water, at certain seasons OF the
year, many families have been In the habit
Of using the water from one OF these
springs. While 1t is not claimed that the
water possesses positive medical properties,
| purity is claimed"
Q. R.-"You spoke of shade at Takoma
Park. What is tho character Of the wood
land ~
Mr.. W.-"The pine is quito plentiful, ex-
haling most delightful odor, which seems
to add to the purity Of the air. The tulip
poplar, oak, chestnut, maple, magnolia,
the shrub.like holly and laurel also abound.
While the growth Of timber is not large, It
is Of sufficient size to produce most ample
and delightful shade"
G. R.-"How long has Takoma Park been
under improvement ?"
Mr.. W.T. Ia now about three years
since, taking advantage Of the natural con-
ditions Of this location, the first steps were
taken to bring It into subsection as place
Of suburban residence. 1t was subdivided
into spacious lots, with convenient streets
and avenues between. These lots have o
frontage OF fifty feet and depth Of two to
three hundred. The streets and avenues
are forty to fifty feet in width, with a space
| ou citucI biuo VI bWciNc icob lUt phIhiuB uuu
walks. Then che building regulations pro
vide that each house shall stand back forty
feet from the line Of the sidewalk, leaving
therefore, all told, space of one hundret
and twenty feet between the building lines
Q. RIA number Of handsome resi-
dences have been erected at Takoma Park
believe ?'
| Mr.. W.--"Yes, the character of the build
ings erected is worthy Of special mention
Residents take evident pleasure In beautify
ing their immediate surroundings by pre-
pairing lawns, walks, flower beds, settinj
out hedges and making gardens, thus addini
comeliness and completeness to the natu
rally beautiful landscape"
O. R.-"What is the character Of tn
population Of Takoma Park y"
Mr.. W.-"Of course II is of the best, o
none but thrifty people care or are able l.
secure for themselves comfortable subursa
homes. Bankers, lawyers, merchants an
clerks here find relief from the daily care
tolls and exertions OF business, while tn
simple fact that he has nights rest In th
cool and quiet country, away from tn
heat and noise aud noxious airs OF the bus
city, Is enough to add new life to q mar
not taking into account the benefits M
profits derived from the morning an
evening hour Of fixing up about the me-
home" 4f.t ..
Q. R.-"How about the expense Of livin
at Takoma Parkf" t. -l
Mr.. W.-"The numerous local train
which run to and from Washington at a
most every hour In the day and night, an
the low rates OF fare, give all the benefits
the way OF schools, business and pleasur
that are enjoyed by those who live In ii
} city, the difference In the cost of living b.
Ing In favor Of those who live In Takom
Park.n r'fi
O. R.-'sThe surroundings Of Takom
Park are considered exceedingly attractiy,
, believer lHfr
Mr.. W.-"Yes, am glad you referre
to that. Takoma Park, having Its locatio
but q short distance north of Soldier
: Home, all OF the popular and most fash ioi
, able drives which lead to the latter plac
are also available In rea ching the former. 4